Slope Stability Analysis and Stabilization: New Methods and Insight

A number of methods currently exist for the analysis and design of slopes. This book provides a critical review of these and offers several more appropriate approaches for overcoming numerical convergence and the location of critical failure surfaces in two-dimensional and three-dimensional cases. New concepts in three-dimensional stability analysis, finite element analysis and the extension of slope stability problems to lateral earth pressure problems are also addressed. It gives helpful practical advice and design resources in the form of recommendations for good analysis and design practice, design charts and tables for the engineer.

Limitations are detailed of both limit equilibrium and the finite element method in the assessment of the stability of a slope, and guidance is provided for assessing the fundamental assumptions and limitations of stability analysis methods and computer modelling. The book provides ample examples to illustrate how this range of problems should be dealt with. The final chapter touches on design and its implementation on site. The emphasis is on the transfer of the design to its physical implementation on site in a holistic way, taking full account of the latest developments in construction technology.

Engineering and construction problems tend to be pigeonholed into different classes of problem such as slope stability, bearing capacity and earth pressure behind retaining structures. This is quite unnecessary. This book offers a unified approach, which is conceptually, practically and philosophically more satisfying.